Cape Disappointment

I continuing to visit long overlooked local landmarks, at least by me, just in case I leave the region. I want no regrets.

Cape Disappointment is a headland located at the southwestern tip of the state of Washington, where the Columbia River meets the pacific Ocean. It’s about a 2 hour drive from the house. The cape was named by British explorer Captain John Meares, who failed to find the Columbia River in 1788, which he had hoped would provide a passage to the interior of the Pacific Northwest. The name reflects his disappointment in his failed exploration. The cape later played a significant role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804-1806. The explorers arrived at the cape in November 1805 and were also disappointed to find no river passage. However, they established a winter camp at nearby Fort Clatsop, where they conducted scientific experiments, traded with the local Native American tribes, and made preparations for their return journey. Today, Cape Disappointment is a popular destination for tourists who come to enjoy its natural beauty, historical significance, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is a must visit stop. It chronicles the Voyage of Discovery and their stay in the region.

I arrived to camp at the Cape shortly after a series of tides and storm that stacked up the driftwood and cleaned the beaches. The surf was outstanding and I could just imagine what it would have beed like when the swell was +18 feas it had been a few short weeks prior to my camping.